At the direction of Governor Kate Brown, The Oregon State Park system will close at the end of the day Monday.
A release from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, said day-use areas will be closed at 5:00 p.m. Campers need to check out no later than 1:00 p.m.
The OPRD previously ordered a campground closure that would have started April 3rd and advised travelers to avoid day trips to full parks. With new guidance from the Governor, and clear signs that travelers are not following advice to avoid full parks, the statewide park closure is necessary, according to the release. Beaches can be closed by OPRD at their discretion and will be closed if social distancing practices are not followed.
All daytime park services will be closed statewide, including parking areas and restrooms. Campers will be refunded for all canceled nights.
OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said “we would have preferred an orderly shutdown of the system and to remain open for daytime visits, but our concern for the effects on rural health care systems requires us to move up and expand our plans”. Sumption said she knows the change will cause a disruption since they are suspending service to everyone, even people who live near a park. She said “reducing contact between people is more important than recreation at the moment”.